MCL Blogs

Now that the kids have been out of school for a few weeks, are you starting to hear those dreaded words: “I’m bored!”?

If you are looking for some free or low-cost educational activities to enrich your child’s summer, read on!

 

Multnomah County Library resources

Babies, kids and teens can all play the summer reading game and earn prizes through August 31. There’s even a reading game for adults! Don’t miss out on our storytimes, interactive performances and arts and crafts programs–you can search for what’s happening at your closest location

Image of two children working on a craft project

Older students can try out their design and technology skills at the Rockwood Library Makerspace or go online to Learning Express Library to review academic skills or practice for college placement tests or AP tests.

 

Out and about in Multnomah County

Your family can visit museums and other cultural institutions for free with the My Discovery Pass, available for Multnomah County Library cardholders. The RACC Arts for All program also offers $5 tickets to arts and cultural events for those with an EBT/Oregon Trail card.

Portland Parks and Recreation offers affordable summer camps, including environmental education camps and classes for a variety of age groups. Discounts are available for families with lower incomes. 

The whole family can enjoy the cultural events, including concerts and movies, at Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free for All. In East County, don’t miss the Gresham Arts Festival, which features live music and the work of more than 125 Pacific Northwest artists.
 

 

Online Learning

Check out these online enrichment activities to keep your students busy this summer. 

PBS Kids Summer of Adventure 
The printable summer checklist and activity book will encourage kids to try something new. The site includes lots of additional activities, too.

Reading Rockets: Start with a Book 
Are your kids obsessed with dinosaurs or cooking or superheroes? Find reading lists, activity ideas and online resources on 24 popular topics at this site.

Free Learning Resources 
Includes ebooks, videos and fun educational activities for grades K-12

Math Learning Center 
Features online and printable games to help K-5 students practice their math skills

Khan Academy 
Video-based lessons and lesson practice for K-12 students

HippoCampus 
A collection of resources on school subjects for middle-school and high-school students

Summer Goal Setting Program 
Created by The Shadow Project, this free program helps students with learning differences to build positive behaviors, motivation and confidence. Space is limited.

Summer Success Kit for Kids with ADHD
Tips for providing structure and support during the summer 

SMART Reading Resources
Find book scavenger hunts, reading challenges and adventure maps for kids to complete this summer.

This article was written for our Family newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up here and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.

On May 19, Multnomah County Library broke ground on one of its most historic building projects, North Portland Library. 

During the ceremonial groundbreaking, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson was joined by District 2 Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke, and the library’s Director of Location Services, Kirby McCurtis. Community members Joyce Harris and Karis Stoudamire-Phillips spoke about their experiences at North Portland Library, followed by Youth Opportunity Design Approach (YODA) high school student Noah Brown.

woman at a podium with an audience in front of her sitting in chairs

Joyce Harris speaking at the North Portland Library groundbreaking event

Image by Motoya Nakamura/ Multnomah County

Educator, community activist, and long-term library patron Joyce Harris said at the event, “Being here is very emotional because this place here has been so important to our community.” 

She continued, “We are developing some things to celebrate, to honor, to create Black history and culture. This is one of the historical creations, and we need to recognize the people who made it happen and those of us that will continue the tradition.”

The library renovations will add 1,500 square feet for a total of 10,200 square feet of space to highlight the diversity and history of the community. The design preserves the historic Carnegie building on Killingsworth Street while providing a larger space for community gatherings in the new Black Cultural Center.

At the event, Vice President of DEI & Community Initiatives for Moda Health and North Portland native Karis Stoudamire-Phillips said, “I have many fond memories of time spent here. When I was a little girl, my mom brought me here to get my very first library card, and she and the librarian helped me choose and check out my books for the very first time. What was so special about this experience is that the librarian was a Black woman, and she directed me to the section of books that had pictures of children and adults that looked just like me.” 

Six people standing in front of North Portland Library with hard hats and shovels in front of a pile of dirt

Left to right: Vailey Oehlke, Karis Stoudamire-Phillips, Joyce Harris, County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Noah Brown

Image by Motoya Nakamura/ Multnomah County

North Portland Library has long been the library home to the Black community in Portland. The new North Portland Library will include:

  • A Black Cultural Center for connection and a celebration of Blackness.
  • Outdoor space for community members to relax and be together.
  • Updated technology and internet.
  • New art that represents the community in coordination with the Regional Arts & Culture Council. 

LEVER Architecture and Noll & Tam Architects led the design for North Portland Library. Andersen Construction is the General Contractor.

North Portland Library closed on April 5, 2023 to begin the construction process; it's scheduled to reopen in fall 2024. During construction, the library encourages patrons to use the many online services available and visit a nearby library:

Kenton Library: 8226 N Denver Avenue

Hollywood Library: 4040 NE Tillamook Street

St. Johns Library: 7510 N Charleston Avenue

The library will share additional updates about services on its construction closures page.       

The first Juneteenth in Portland was led by Clara Peoples in 1945. Peoples grew up celebrating Juneteenth with family and friends in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She spoke to her coworkers on a break at Kaiser Shipyards, saying, “Hear ye, hear ye. It’s Juneteenth. We have 15 minutes to celebrate.” 

Her advocacy continued through the years with the larger celebrations known as Juneteenth Oregon. In 1972, Peoples helped make Juneteenth a recognized holiday for the City of Portland. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the celebration of Juneteenth as an official holiday for Portland. Juneteenth later became a federal holiday in 2021. 

Juneteenth holds a place of particular significance for the North Portland Library. The grand opening of The Black Resources Collection, which holds books and materials of interest to the Black community, was on June 19, 1987. 

Years later, the first library Juneteenth celebration was organized by longtime North Portland Library manager Patricia Welch. 

Ms. Patricia shares, “When the late musician Thara Memory said he was looking for a service project for his community orchestra, that was the inspiration I needed. He played works by William Grant Still, the ‘Dean of African American’ composers. Members of Passin’ Art theater company read passages from well-known speeches dedicated to Black liberation. We had an ice cream social afterwards with custom made sundaes and red pop.”

Construction is now underway to modernize North Portland Library, including additional space for a Black Cultural Center.

Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

  1. Read, share and discuss books by Black authors. 
  2. Attend a Juneteenth event or parade.
  3. Learn about Jim Crow laws and historical events such as the Emancipation Proclamation.
  4. Learn Oregon Black history: Black in Oregon 1840, Discover Black history through newspapers, Blacks in Oregon, and Oregon’s Enigmatic Black History.
  5. Learn about local Black art and artists: The Black Portlanders.
  6. Watch a documentary about the history of slavery in America, and use Kanopy to watch: Slavery by Another Name and Into the Fire.
  7. Join us at a Juneteenth library event!

History of Juneteenth

On January 1st, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people in the United States. The decree wasn’t enforced in states that were in rebellion against the federal government.

Another two and a half years would go by before federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19th, 1865.

In the following years, the anniversary of this event was celebrated and honored in Galveston. Eventually it spread across the nation. Now, Juneteenth is celebrated annually through backyard parties, community events, parades, memorials and delicious meals. Juneteenth gatherings customarily feature red foods, symbolizing resilience and joy. 

In the Black community, Juneteenth is a time to gather with family and friends. It is a time to honor and remember the lives and experiences of the millions of Black people who were forcibly stolen from their homelands and enslaved worldwide. It is also a time to joyfully celebrate the triumphs and contributions of Black people to the nation and to the world.

This article was written with support from the Black Cultural Library Advocates (BCLA) team.

The Indigenous team at the library focuses on connecting with the community. 

This is the first year the library is tabling at the Delta Park Powwow. The powwow will be June 16-18 and is located at 10737 N Union Court, Portland. Dancing for the powwow starts at 7 pm on Friday, and at 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The team will be giving away books, helping people get library cards, and creating a bridge between the Native community and the library.

Families celebrating outdoors at the Delta Park Powwow

Eva Red Bird, Indigenous community services coordinator, shares that “historically, the library has been a place Native people have been excluded from, so this is a really important place for us to be.”  

The powwow has not happened for the past three years, so this one will be special for the team and community.

“Ceremonies are happening, and babies are getting their names. There will be honorings of people that passed from Covid, and missing and Indigenous people. It is an honor to be there, especially representing a government agency — helping to build trust with agencies and Native people,” says Eva. There will be competition dancing, drum groups and more.

Several team members have a connection to the powwow as more than an event they will be attending for the library. 

Library Assistant Jack Allman-Abraham has a connection with the planning team and committee that organizes the Delta Park Powwow. His grandfather was on the first initial committee (53 years ago), and his family has stayed heavily involved. His aunt has served as president of the Bow and Arrow Culture Club, which organizes the Delta Park Powwow, for the past 30 years.

“A lot of people travel around to come to this powwow. People come from all over the west coast and Canada, ” says Jack.

This powwow is “meant to be in the spirit of gathering of nations where people would come and spend time together. It really is a multicultural event,” says Jack. Jack will also volunteer for Monday’s clean-up effort, which welcomes volunteers to join at 9 am. 

All are welcome to join in the powwow. However, the powwow should not be seen as a performance. Indigenous library staff recommend ways to respectfully participate in this important cultural event. 

Stand up when the honor flags and color guards are coming out.

Do not photograph dancers and other attendees without permission.

Only enter the dance arena if invited by the emcee. When invited please do feel welcome to join in dancing!

Do not touch regalia (they are not costumes).

Be mindful of the space; often families reserve seats with their own chairs, blankets, canopies, personal items — these are not to be removed, touched or occupied. 

Be respectful of the vendors and the incredible amount of skill and effort that goes into the work they bring to sell.

Respect the rules of the Delta Park Powwow, including: no alcohol or drugs, and no dogs or pets allowed. 

Multnomah County is named after a tribe, and so are other counties, rivers and mountains around the Pacific Northwest. The powwow is a time to recognize and honor the connection between the tribes and the land we live on. This free event is a large community gathering and effort.

Nanea Woods was born and raised in Portland, and is the founder of Prose Before Bros, a book club for and by women of color.

Prose Before Bros started in 2018 with six people. “By the end of 2018, I had about 30 members; by the end of 2019, around 200. We are celebrating our five-year anniversary this year, and we have about 700 members in the book club. Michelle Obama is an honorary member. We’ve been to every corner of Portland and supported many wonderful and lovely businesses. I’m just so proud of the community that I built,” says Nanea. 

After several years of having a successful book club, Nanea developed the Freadom Festival, the first Black and BIPOC book festival on the west coast. The Freadom Festival is on June 19 at Peninsula Park in Portland, Oregon. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a community book swap, author book talks, information booths and more.

Woman in the library, smiling at the camera

In this Q&A, Nanea discusses her connection with the library, some of her favorite books and the upcoming Freadom Festival.

Q: What is your connection to the library?

A: It is a place that I have been to a lot in my life. It was school, home, library; that was my routine for much of my life until I went off to college. So I lived in libraries. They were my daycare and after-school teachers. I wanted to be a librarian so badly! I used to even pretend to be a librarian and would re-shelve books.

Q: What is a memorable experience you had as a child at the library?

I used to eat up the Summer Reading program! I would look forward to that every year. I loved the stamp thing and getting a little prize. I would complete this so fast! 

Q: What was the inspiration for developing the Freadom Festival?

A: I love that when I travel, I make sure to seek libraries or independently owned bookstores, and I noticed there are BIPOC or Black book festivals in every major city except Portland. And I thought that’s kind of weird because we are one of the most literate cities in the country. We have a city that supports readers and books. So why don’t we have a book festival celebrating Black and BIPOC books and authors? 

Q: What do you hope people take away from the Freadom Festival?

A: It is a Juneteenth celebration. I want people to come away learning about the connection and history and how it ties to health literacy in general — specifically for Black people and the role reading and books played in our liberation. 

Resources at the library

The library’s Black Cultural Library Advocates (BCLA) team will be at the Freadom Festival, readily available to help people sign up for library accounts and learn more about library resources. The BCLA team focuses on strengthening the connection between the library and the Black community. Join the BCLA team in celebrating events for Juneteenth!

If you are interested in joining a book club or gathering in community to discuss books, the library has several recommendations for local and online groups. Connect with the My Librarian team! They can provide customized lists based on your group’s tastes and help you place holds on multiple copies. 

Multnomah County Library (MCL) and Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) are teaming up to bring artwork to libraries throughout Multnomah County. This effort is part of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond which will build, rebuild or expand nine library buildings while providing smaller upgrades to 11 libraries as part of the Refresh projects

Since the bond passed, Multnomah County Library has been hard at work on major updates, with the Operations Center and Holgate and Midland libraries leading the way as some of the first projects. 

The first real estate purchase with the bond, the Operations Center is the heart of the library, where every item placed on hold is sorted in addition to being the first stop for new books and materials. This 73,000 square foot building is scheduled to open in late 2023. 

Holgate Library will be a brand new two-story building, triple the size of the current space for a total of 21,000 square feet. It will be one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County. To begin on this new building, Holgate Library closed to begin construction on December 5, 2022 and will reopen in 2024. 

Midland Library will undergo important renovations and an expansion to add 6,000 square feet of space, or an increase of about 25 percent. To complete these exciting upgrades, Midland Library closed to begin construction on December 23, 2022 and will reopen in 2024. 

Community-centered art

Local artists are creating unique installations at each of these sites that represent the community’s history, culture and diversity.

This artwork is developed in coordination with the Regional Arts & Culture Council through the Multnomah County Percent for Art Program, allotting 2% of the construction budget for all county-funded improvement projects toward the investment in public art. Artists are awarded projects as part of a robust public process, which includes selection panels led by local residents, business owners, artists, library staff and project partners. 

Community engagement is a core value for the building projects. Selection panels prioritized artists with demonstrated experience and expressed interest in embedding community into their practice and work. Most artists selected for these projects are expected to create and host community engagement opportunities as part of their design phase. Some of these arts-focused events have already taken place and more are on their way in the coming months.
Albina, North Portland and the new East County Library are next up for public selection panels to choose artists that represent the community. 

Meet the artists

Operations Center: Exterior entrance

A new, large-scale, 2-dimensional permanent exterior artwork at the Operations Center entrance will be created by artist Tenya Rodriguez (they/them). The site-specific original artwork will greet staff and visitors alike with vibrant colors and energy as they enter the new building, which is considered the heart of the library system. The artwork will also be visible to vehicular and pedestrian traffic along NE 122nd Avenue, capturing the attention of those who pass by. Tenya is a queer, Latinx, self-taught artist whose practice centers on mark-making and layering as a way to communicate through experimental expressionism. Photo credit: Tenya Rodriguez

Artist Tenya Rodriguez wears a mask while holding red sticks

Midland Library: Exterior canopy 

As part of the overall building renovation, Midland Library will acquire a new entry canopy, framing the redesigned entrance and exterior public plaza. The underside of the canopy, spanning the width of the building, will feature artwork by local artists Lillyanne Pham (LP) and Paola De La Cruz (she/her). Lillyanne is a second-generation Vietnamese artist and cultural organizer who creates through a systemic consciousness framework and lens, specifically place-based justice and racial equity. Paola, originally from the Dominican Republic, interweaves digital and analog media, patterns, stitching and shape-based illustrations to evoke intimacy while challenging the themes of cultural identity, coming of age and interpersonal growth. Together, Lillyanne and Paola conceive and actualize socially engaged projects which blend one another's strengths, passions and creativity. Photo credit: Keanu Narciso

Artists Lillyanne Pham and Paola De La Cruz are seated, smiling at the camera, with art supplies on the table in front of the

Midland Library: Gathering Circle

Kanani Miyamoto (she/her) has been selected to create an original 2-dimensional wall-mounted artwork which will frame Midland Library’s interior Gathering Circle, a communal seating area that encourages and fosters connection. The artwork will be located directly across from the new main entry doors and will be one of the first things visible as people arrive at the library. Kanani is a practicing artist, curator, adjunct instructor and teacher whose work focuses on sharing and celebrating her unique mixed heritage in the hopes of representing her community and the beauty of intersectional identities. Through Kanani’s community-centered work she brings awareness to the damaging effects of capitalism and settler colonialism on Pacific Island people and land. Photo credit: Kayla Wiley

Artist Kanani Miyamoto sits in front of a wall print featuring dark leaves

Holgate Library: Interior/exterior wall

The Interior/Exterior Wall public art project at Holgate Library is multi-dimensional in name and practice. Salomée Souag’s (she/her) artwork will be etched onto exterior panels of the building's façade creating a permanent sculptural drawing on the outside. Elements of these exterior panels will be replicated inside along the full length of the ground floor lobby wall as part of a large-scale, site-specific, 2-dimensional digital mural. Salomée is a muralist, designer and creative from Switzerland who holds her Peruvian and Algerian ancestors closer to her heart, her community and her work. In her consistent and continuous evolution and artistic practice, she creates revolutionary work to give power to the people, youth and artists. Salomée’s bold and powerful work encourages everyone to break down boundaries and borders and to imagine expression. Photo credit: Haley Busch

Artist Salomée Souag looks to the side while posed in front of a painting with white and reddish shape

Holgate Library: Exterior site enclosure

Arts activist Crystal Meneses (she/her) will be creating a 2-dimensional wall-mounted artwork for Holgate Library’s Exterior Site Enclosure. The artwork will wrap the enclosure, creatively anchoring the north entry outdoor patio. Located between the new library and the new parking lot, the artwork will be highly visible from SE 79th Avenue as people arrive at the library. In addition, the artwork will act as the backdrop to ground floor flex spaces that will be used by library staff and patrons for classes and events. Crystal creates from a communal perspective, centering connection and relationship and ensuring inclusion. Her mission is to inspire arts activism in the community, supporting others in discovering their passions and talents. Crystal’s expansive approach and ability to cultivate community is, in itself, a work of art. At the heart of everything Crystal generates is the desire to elevate collective healing, particularly amongst marginalized communities. Photo credit: Alberta Akins

Artist Crystal Meneses smiles at the camera while wearing a red shirt

Algo hermoso que los niños y jóvenes tienen, es que reaccionan ante el mundo que les rodea a través de su imaginación, curiosidad y preguntas…¡muchas preguntas! En junio, algunas de estas preguntas pueden ser acerca del Mes del Orgullo y lo que significa la sigla LGBT+.**

“¿Por qué hay tantos arcoiris?”

“¿Por qué se llama Mes del Orgullo?”

“¿Qué significan todas esas letras?” 

Algunos de nosotros estamos más familiarizados con el Mes del Orgullo que otras personas, por lo que reunimos algunos consejos que esperamos les sean útiles para tener estas conversaciones durante el mes de junio y en los momentos oportunos.

Algo de historia

Junio fue designado oficialmente como el Mes del Orgullo cuando el expresidente Bill Clinton emitió una proclamación formal el 11 de junio de 1999, reconociéndose como el “Mes del Orgullo Gay y Lésbico”.

El expresidente Barack Obama también proclamó el Mes del Orgullo de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales y Transgénero para celebrar las contribuciones realizadas por los estadounidenses LGBTQ+ y reconocer problemas más amplios como la pandemia del VIH.

Para aprender más

Visite la Biblioteca del Condado de Multnomah y revise los materiales que tenemos al respecto para celebrar el Orgullo LGBT+. Los libros son excelentes para iniciar conversaciones de temas con los que no estamos familiarizados.

¡Libros para niños!

¡Libros para jóvenes!

¡Libros para adultos! 

Encontrar cuidado de niños puede ser difícil y costoso. Si está buscando atención para su hijo, estos son algunos lugares para comenzar:

Recursos preescolares y cuidado infantil. En esta página del Condado de Multnomah se encuentra una gran lista de recursos sobre el preescolar y cuidado infantil.  

Ayuda para pagar el cuidado infantil y el preescolar 

El programa ERDC (Guardería relacionada con el empleo) Proporciona ayuda a las familias para pagar el cuidado infantil.

Iniciativa de Cuidado Infantil Comunitario (CCI)
La Iniciativa de Cuidado Infantil Comunitario ofrece a las familias de Portland y a los proveedores de cuidado infantil, asistencia financiera para el cuidado infantil.

Baby Promise ofrece atención y educación gratuitas de calidad durante todo el día para niños elegibles de 6 semanas a 3 años de edad. 

Promesa Preescolar es un programa financiado por el estado y ofrece espacios preescolares en la escuela, los centros infantiles y con proveedores de preescolar independientes. La Promesa Preescolar está disponible para familias de bajos ingresos con niños de 3 a 4 años de edad.

Preescolar para Todos conecta a niños de 3 y 4 años en el Condado de Multnomah con experiencias preescolares gratuitas, culturalmente receptivas e inclusivas. Si está interesado en un espacio de Preescolar para Todos (Preschool for All) para el año preescolar 2023-24 complete está solicitud. El último día para entregarla y ser considerada es el 31 de mayo.

Pre-Kínder de las Escuelas Públicas de Portland
Las Escuelas Públicas de Portland (PPS) ofrecen oportunidades preescolares a las familias que viven dentro de los límites de PPS y que tienen niños que cumplen 3 o 4 años de edad antes del 1.º de septiembre. Las familias pueden enviar un correo electrónico a prekprograms@pps.net para recibir información. 

Programas preescolares de Head Start

Head Start de MHCC ofrece programas Early Head Start y Head Start de medio día y de día completo.Para obtener más información sobre MHCC Head Start, visite su página de preguntas frecuentes o envíe un correo electrónico a headstart.application@mhcc.edu

Head Start de las Escuelas Públicas de Portland. Para obtener más información sobre PPS Head Start, visite su página de preguntas frecuentes o envíe un correo electrónico a rcantwell@pps.net. Para obtener información sobre los criterios de elegibilidad y para presentar una solicitud, haga clic aquí.

Albina Head Start. Las familias deben completar una solicitud previa para la inscripción. Albina Head Start y Early Head Start ofrecen dos opciones para completar la solicitud previa: Solicitud completa en línea  o solicitud impresa.

Head Start Migrante de OCDC. Head Start Migrante y de Temporada son para hijos de trabajadores agrícolas que trabajan por temporada y migran. Este programa cuida a los niños mientras los padres trabajan en el campo y ayuda a los niños en edad preescolar a desarrollar las habilidades de lenguaje, lectura y matemáticas que necesitan para tener éxito en la escuela. Proceso de inscripción.

Early Head Start Migrante de OCDC - Brinda servicios a mujeres embarazadas, bebés y niños pequeños hasta los 3 años de edad. Early Head Start cuida a bebés y niños pequeños para asegurarse de que crezcan sanos y felices. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con su representante local de OCDC.

Head Start de Neighborhood House Para conocer los criterios de elegibilidad, haga clic aquí.  Para encontrar un programa Head Start de Neighborhood House cerca de usted, haga clic aquí. Cambie el idioma en la esquina inferior izquierda. 

Image of child with a chair at the beach
Summer is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors with your family. Here we offer a compilation of activities and resources to enjoy the summer holiday. 

Free Library Fun:

Summer Reading
Read for fun and to win prizes this summer. Our theme this year is finding your voice!

Makerspace
Teens entering grades 6-12 are welcome to come hang out, create independent projects with art supplies, get to know the makerspace equipment, use the tablets and laptops, and more!  

Events & Programs
Keep an eye on our Events page for upcoming summer programs for the whole family!

My Discovery Pass
Visit museums and other cultural institutions for free with this program available for Multnomah County Library cardholders.

 

Free activities throughout Multnomah County:

Fairview’s Flicks in the Park
Free family movies at Fairview’s Community Park

Gresham Arts Festival
Celebrate the arts at the annual Gresham Arts Festival in downtown Gresham, featuring artists from the Pacific Northwest, a Kids Village, local cuisine, treats and beverages.

Gresham’s Summer Kids in the Park (SKIP)
Free activities and lunch in three Gresham parks.

Interactive Fountains and Splash Pads
All of Portland’s interactive fountains should be on by mid-May. Also check out Gresham’s Children’s Fountain

Kids Bowl Free
Sign up your kids for two free games of bowling each day this summer at one of the participating bowling centers.

Parks & Rec
Visit parks in Fairview, Gresham, Portland, Troutdale and Wood Village. A couple of parks we want to highlight are Gabriel Park with its inclusive playground for all abilities, and Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park with its renovated playground area. 

Portland’s Summer Free for All 
Portland Parks and Recreation is back with a full schedule for 2023: concerts, movies, performing arts, plus free lunch and play.

Portland’s Sunday Parkways
Series of free events opening Portland’s streets to walk, bike, roll, and discover

Troutdale’s Movies in the Park
Family movies shown at Troutdale’s Imagination Station

 

Summer lunches and other food resources:

Free Summer Lunches for Kids
Each summer, Oregon offers summer meal sites for children ages 1 to 18. Some programs offer learning activities for children before and after meals. There are several ways to find places to eat in your area. Find a site near you

Meals 4 Kids 
This site helps qualifying children and families within the City of Portland. Please visit their website to complete the form. 

Oregon Food Bank 
Find food near you with this interactive map

 

Reasonably priced summer fun:

Come Thru Market
Open on first and third Mondays from May to October, this farmer’s market centers Black and Indigenous farmers and makers.  

Farmers' Markets  
Who knew an ear of corn or fresh tomato could improve your health, your community and the environment, all at the same time? Buying local foods is a simple way to do all three!

Ladybug Walks 
Walks for kids ages 0-6 are held on various mornings at different locations and cost $5 per child (with discounts available). Walks feature age-appropriate environmental science education, and kids get to borrow a cute ladybug backpack for the walk.

Portland Indigenous Marketplace 
Features art, jewelry, fashion, food, and wellness and is holding several events throughout the summer.

Preschool Rides at Oaks Park 
Oaks Park is open especially for children ages 6 and under on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from June 20-August 30 (excluding July 4 and 5). Admission for preschoolers is reduced from the usual rate, and parents can ride free.

RACC Arts for All Program 
Show your EBT/Oregon Trail card to get $5 tickets to arts and cultural events at places like OMSI, Oregon Children's Theater and Portland Art Museum.

 

This article was written for our Family Newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up here and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.

Are you looking for a safe space for your child to learn and grow while you are away? Finding child care can be difficult, not to mention expensive! Families often have many questions. How do I know what to look for? How can I be sure my child will be safe and happy? How will I pay for the rising cost of child care? If you are looking for care for your child, here are some places to start:


FINDING THE RIGHT CHILD CARE: Findchildcareoregon.org is a 211 service that supports parents in finding child care that meets their needs. Families can search for programs by location, ages served, primary language of instruction, and many other factors. The site includes a helpful question guide to help you decide what to ask your potential child care provider before enrolling your child.

Image of young children working with a teacher
ENSURING YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY: Generally speaking, programs that serve more than three children, operate more than four hours per day and are not operated by a school district or government agency are required to have a child care license. Licensed child care programs receive regular visits to ensure programs are following the child care rules. Unlicensed programs can still be a safe and wonderful choice for your family. If your preferred program is not required to be licensed, consider asking what practices and policies are used by the program to maintain child safety. You can check that a program is licensed and see their license record by looking on the Child Care Safety Portal managed by the Early Learning Division.

MAKING CHILD CARE AFFORDABLE: There are several initiatives that support families in finding free or low-cost child care in Multnomah County. Keep reading to see which one might work for your family!

Head Start is a federal early learning program, and one of the most familiar names in early learning. Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK) is the state-funded equivalent of Head Start. Head Start offers comprehensive services to children and their families at no cost. The program has expanded in recent years to provide Early Head Start for children ages 0-3 and offer more full day options for families. Your family may qualify for Head Start if your household income is less than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, if you are currently experiencing homelessness, or if you are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Social Security Income (SSI) benefits. You can learn more about Head Start and enroll your child through the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) website

Preschool Promise is a state-funded early learning program for preschool-aged children. Programs offering Preschool Promise slots may be based in a variety of child care settings, including homes, centers and school districts. Programs serve children at least six hours per day and at least four days per week. Your family may qualify for Preschool Promise if your household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can learn about programs that offer Preschool Promise slots in Multnomah County and apply through the Early Learning Multnomah (ELM) website

Baby Promise is similar to Preschool Promise but serves infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks to 3 years old. Families must be employed and earn a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Families can learn more and apply through the Child Care Resource and Referral website

Preschool for All was voted in by Multnomah County residents in 2020. It is a county-funded preschool program for preschool-aged children. Similar to Preschool Promise, child care settings can be in homes, centers or school districts. Any child who is 3 years old before September 1 is eligible, though children whose families experience barriers accessing preschool (BIPOC, children whose first language is not English, children with developmental delays and/or disabilities, etc.) are prioritized. The application for the 2023-2024 program year is available as of May 3, 2023. Families have until May 31 to apply. Families do not receive priority for applying earlier, so caregivers should take the time they need to review available preschool options.

Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) is a child care subsidy program currently offered through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). This means families may pay part of the child care cost, called a copay. Families must need child care to work or attend school in order to qualify for ERDC, and they must make no more than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines at the time they apply. Many child care providers accept ERDC. ERDC is also unique in that family, friends and neighbors can be approved (after meeting requirements and registering) child care providers for your family and collect ERDC payments. Review the ERDC information page on the Oregon.gov website to learn more and apply!

Lastly, don’t be shy about asking your preferred provider about scholarships, tuition assistance, or other ways to help manage the cost of care. 

This article was written for our Family newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up here and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.

English | Tiếng Việt | 简体中文

五月份是亚裔美国人、夏威夷原居民及太平洋岛民 (AANHPI) 的传统记念月。穆鲁玛郡图书馆将与 AANHPI 社区群体共同庆祝这个多元文化的庆典。

图书馆将于 5 月 20 日,星期六下午 2 至 4 时在 波特兰东区活动中心 体育馆 (East Portland Community Center at 740 SE 106th Avenue, Portland, OR 97216) 举办免费庆祝活动。这是 Midland 及 Holgate 图书馆暂时闭馆后的第一个大型活动,图书馆热切期待尽快拉近与本地民彼此众的距离!

庆祝活动将有白莲花舞狮团、欢乐舞蹈团、夏威夷舞蹈等传统舞蹈表演,现场还有折纸及气球艺术特色手工艺品活动。

图书馆将在活动中设立摊位提供科技辅助、简历、求职、学习英语、入籍课程及社区资源。

 

English | Tiếng Việt | 简体中文

Tháng Năm là tháng Di sản người Mỹ gốc châu Á, người bản địa quần đảo Hawaii và Thái Bình Dương (AANHPI). Thư viện Quận Multnomah sẽ mừng sự kiện đa văn hóa này với các cộng đồng AANHPI.

Thư viện sẽ tổ chức một chương trình kỷ niệm vào cửa tự do tại Gymnasium (phòng Thể dục) của East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th Avenue, Portland OR 97216) vào chiều thứ Bảy ngày 20 tháng 5 từ 2g - 4g. Do đây là một sự kiện lớn đầu tiên từ sau ngày đóng cửa các thư viện Midland và Holgate, thư viện rất phấn khởi để liên lạc với quý khách địa phương qua cách đưa thư viện đến gần quý vị và các bạn hơn!

Chương trình kỷ niệm bao gồm các tiết mục biểu diễn nhảy múa cổ truyền do nhóm múa Lân White Lotus, Joyful Dance, vũ điệu Hawaii v.v.. Sẽ có hoạt động giới thiệu origami, khéo tay xếp giấy và nghệ thuật bong bóng!

Lễ kỷ niệm sẽ có quầy thông tin dịch vụ thư viện về trợ giúp kỹ thuật, tạo resume, tìm việc làm, học tiếng Anh, lớp chuẩn bị thi Quốc tịch và thông tin về cộng đồng. 

Multnomah County Library locations are undergoing construction or renovations. Thanks to a 2020 library bond measure, your libraries are getting exciting updates. The bond will address the lack of library space east of Interstate 205 and expand some of the busiest small spaces.

Bond basics:

  • Multnomah County voters approved Measure 26-211 to expand and modernize library spaces. 
  • A bond adds an amount of money to your property taxes every year, and this one goes towards library updates.
  • The Multnomah County Library bond includes:
    • Building a new library in East Multnomah County 
    • Rebuilding Holgate Library
    • Renovations and expansion of Albina, North Portland, Midland, Belmont and St. Johns libraries
    • A new, larger Northwest Library 
    • Improvements to Capitol Hill, Central, Gregory Heights, Fairview-Columbia, Hillsdale, Hollywood, Kenton, Rockwood, Sellwood-Moreland, Troutdale and Woodstock libraries

Libraries getting basic improvements will have:

  • Automated Materials Handling (AMH) technology — helps you get materials faster
  • Updated shelving
  • New furniture, carpet, and paint — creating comfortable and welcoming spaces 

Holgate, Midland, Albina and North Portland are hubs for the diverse communities they serve. Because of this, these locations are first to be renovated. The library is providing other services and events in these areas while libraries are closed. We work hard every day to minimize the impact of short-term library closures. 

If you’ve wondered why libraries are closed simultaneously, this has to do with bond spending requirement. We want to protect your investment in the library. We have done extensive planning with facilities specialists, finance leaders, architects, construction experts and more to understand timelines, inflation and cost of materials. 

Why locations are closed at the same time:

  • Financial experts (in this case, professional cost estimators) predicted the amount of money needed for library improvements before the pandemic happened. Since 2020, inflation has affected prices on everything, including construction materials. Now we need to renovate and build new locations faster to stay on budget.
  • The terms of the bond sale require the library to spend most of the bond funds in a short amount of time. This approach maximized benefit to taxpayers and allowed for more funds to be put into library improvements.
  • A slower schedule would have netted less money for projects. It would have also included increased costs due to cost escalation, inflation and supply chain issues. 

The Framework for Future Library Spaces helped guide each project's budget and aimed to reduce taxpayer costs. By closing locations simultaneously:

  • Taxpayers get more for their money
  • The library can create better spaces with the funds available

We are committed to using public resources efficiently and building modern libraries that will be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Woman author looking at the camera and book cover of Harvest House side by side

Multnomah County Library's Indigenous and teen services teams will welcome acclaimed Native author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Mvskoke) to two high schools.

The Indigenous team includes library staff from multiple Native nations. Teen services supports all the ways the library works with teens, including connecting teens with authors whose work speaks to their identities and experiences. These two library teams created partnerships at David Douglas High School which has an Indigenous Student Union and McDaniel High School which has a student Indigenous Alliance to host author visits and book talks.

“I am excited to work together with students and Cynthia Leitich Smith. Our young people are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. It is exciting to share new materials with our community and highlight such a well-known author. It is my honor and privilege to host this event, and I look forward to hosting more successful events in the future,” says Eva Red Bird, Indigenous community services coordinator at Multnomah County Library. 

Students will gather to discuss Harvest House, Cynthia Leitich Smith's newest book. Her Author’s Note for Harvest House says: “On one level, it’s a contemporary young adult novel about a diverse group of teens coming together to solve a spooky mystery. On another, it’s about reclaiming the positive power of Story after it has been long buried and corrupted.”

Cynthia goes on to say that "for tens of thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have been storytelling peoples, and despite everything, our voices remain strong. The Native teen characters of Harvest House are storytellers in a myriad of ways—on the stage, on the page, through written and spoken language."

Beyond Cynthia’s visits with McDaniel and David Douglas high school students, she’ll be the featured speaker on the evening of May 24 at David Douglas’ Native American Cultural Night: Native Voices. This intergenerational event is free and open to the entire community. It will bring together students, families, community partners, and highlight the voices of Native teens. 

The event resonates with Cynthia’s focus on community. In a 2021 interview in Publishers Weekly, Cynthia says, “I want to help build a community and to lift up voices, especially those that haven’t been heard.” Through collaboration and partnerships, that’s what we strive to do in the library as well.

English | Tiếng Việt | 简体中文

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI). Multnomah County Library will celebrate this multicultural event with the AANHPI communities. 

The library will host a free event at East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th Ave, Portland, OR 97216) gymnasium on Saturday, May 20, from 2 - 4 pm. As the first big event since the temporary closures of Midland and Holgate libraries, the library is excited to connect with local patrons by bringing the library closer to you!

The celebration includes traditional dance performances by the White Lotus dance group, Joyful Dance Team, Hawaiian dancing and more. There will be crafts featuring origami and balloon art. 

Learn how the library can help you with computers, job searches and resumes, learning English, citizenship classes and more. 

If you can’t attend the event, celebrate by reading one of the recommended AANHPI books this month!

Read one of these picture books for preschoolers, find a fiction book for kids grades K - 3 and grades 4 - 6, or a nonfiction book for kids K - 8. There are also book recommendations for teens.

Image of hands holding LGBTQ letters
Some of us are more familiar with Pride Month--and more comfortable talking about it--than others, so we put together some helpful tips for having conversations with kids about what it means to be LGBTQ+* during June and beyond.  

Read Up 

Dive into the historical significance of the Pride Movement and Stonewall Rebellion in June 1969, and learn about the meaning of the Pride flag. For a kid-friendly history to read and talk about together, check out Stonewall: a Building, a History by Rob Sanders, with illustrations by Jamey Christoph. Check out recommended fiction featuring LGBTQ+ characters, or memoirs written by LGBTQ+ writers. Curious about how to use they/them pronouns? There’s a graphic novel guide for you! Browse the reading lists below for more titles that may interest your family.    

Listen to (and Learn from) Queer Voices

There are also excellent resources online to help parents and caregivers explore Pride and LGBTQ+ identity openly and honestly with kids. Our favorite is the Queer Kids Stuff Youtube series from LGBTQ+ activist Lindsay Amer, the self-described “Queer Mr. Rogers.” We love how this series (with multiple seasons of episodes!) explores topics like gender identity and how to be a good ally.  

Celebrate! 

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival is happening in July this year!   Featuring the Pride Parade, live performances on multiple stages, plus lots of activities, food, and community spaces.

For this year's Trans Day of Visibility, Q Center hosted an art contest for young trans artists to design their 2023 mascot!  Vote for your favorite piece by June 1!

Support LGBTQ+ Youth

Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ benefit from a supportive network of family, friends, and peers. Check out We <3 LGBTQ+ Kids and Teens! for some organizations and resources that can help provide that support.

This article is part of our “Talking with kids” series, as featured in our monthly family newsletter. Reach out to us at learning@multcolib.org if you need more support or have questions. We’re here for you!



*LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning. The + is meant to include all gender identities and sexual orientations not covered by the other letters. Read What Does LGBTQ+ Mean? for more information.

English | Español | Tiếng Việt | Русский | 简体中文

各种彩色图书在桌子。

图片来源:Motoya Nakamura,穆鲁玛郡 

您不需再担心因为发笑而难为情。现在图书馆是一个蓬勃发展的社区空间,您可以在这里与朋友见面,获得电脑辅助,欣赏艺术活动。但是您知道图书馆还提供许多免费的资源吗?

  1. 学习一种新的语言:使用 Mango Languages 参加40多种不同语言的课程,从基础入门到更高级的课程以及学习会话。还可以学习阿拉伯语、西班牙语、华语、意大利语、越南语、德语等。
  2. 观赏电影:使用 Kanopy 观看纪录片及独立电影,或者使用 Hoopla 收听串流媒体音乐、观看漫画和视频。
  3. 免费打印文件:所有图书馆都提供免费打印。使用移动打印服务或使用图书馆的电脑进行复印、传真及扫描。
  4. 参观本地博物馆:使用 My Discovery Pass探索通行证 享用免费的教育和文化体验。您可以找到博物馆、当地文化景点及演出的门票。
  5. 实时家庭作业辅导:使用图书馆账户,访问Tutor.com,练习 PSAT 考试,解答数学题,或者校对作业论文。
  6. 开启你的公民身份之旅:参加一系列免费课程了解如何成为公民。这些课程涵盖了美国历史、政府及其他可以帮助您准备公民考试的信息。Mission: Citizen的志工提供课程并以英语授课。
  7. 获得求职方面的帮助,创建简历并为面试做准备:图书馆工作人员可以帮助您寻找工作。创建简历,写求职信及练习面试,图书馆可以提供课程及个人预约服务。
  8. 参加成人识字班 :图书馆提供一对一及小组辅导,帮助民众实现学习目标。无论是为了准备GED考试还是阅读孩子的学校笔记,图书馆的成人识字小组都可以提供帮助。
  9. 参观Rockwood创客空间并进行酷炫的创作(6-12年级):Rockwood创客空间是一个协作学习环境,提供青少年聚会,使用艺术工具进行独立创造,并学习新技术的地方。
  10. 获得一对一的科技铺助:许多地点都有提供现场科术辅助。来与友善的科技辅导员一对一地畅谈吧。他们会帮助你解答关于移动设备、网站、电子书入门等问题。 

English | Español | Tiếng Việt | Русский | 简体中文

Разные книги с красочными обложками на столе.

Фото: Motoya Nakamura, округ Малтнома. 

Прошли те времена, когда посетителей библиотек стыдили за смех и просили вести себя тихо. В настоящее время библиотеки являются процветающими общественными пространствами, где вы можете встретиться со сверстниками, получить компьютерную помощь и насладится различными интересными программами. Но знаете ли вы, что в библиотеке можно получить много других бесплатных ресурсов?

  1. Изучайте новый язык: с Mango Languages у вас есть доступ к более чем 40 языковым курсам, от базовых до более продвинутых курсов и разговорного обучения. Изучайте арабский, испанский, китайский, итальянский, вьетнамский, немецкий и другие языки.
  2. Просмотр фильмов: смотрите документальные фильмы и авторское кино из коллекции Kanopy, или посредством потокового цифрового мультимедиа Hoopla смотрите фильмы, слушайте музыку и читайте комиксы.
  3. Распечатывайте документы бесплатно: распечатывать документы можно бесплатно во всех библиотеках! Воспользуйтесь услугой беспроводной печати или библиотечным компьютером для копирования, отправки факсов и сканирования.
  4. Посетите местный музей: наслаждайтесь бесплатными образовательными и культурными мероприятиями при помощи программы My Discovery Pass. Здесь вы найдете билеты на посещение местных культурных достопримечательностей, музеев и представлений.
  5. Получите помощь с домашним заданием в режиме реального времени: при помощи вашей учетной записи в библиотеке вы можете получить доступ к веб-сайту Tutor.com, где можно потренироваться для прохождения предварительного теста оценки академических способностей (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, PSAT), решить математическую задачу или проверить домашние задания.
  6. Начните свой путь к получению гражданства США: узнайте о процессе получения гражданства на бесплатных курсах. Занятия проходят по истории США, включают сведения о правительстве и другую информацию, которая может помочь вам подготовиться к тесту на получение гражданства. Занятия проходят на английском языке и проводятся волонтерами из организации Mission: Citizen.
  7. Получите помощь по трудоустройству, составлению резюме и подготовке к собеседованию: сотрудники библиотеки могут помочь вам начать поиск работы. От создания резюме и сопроводительного письма до подготовки к собеседованию — для вас в библиотеке проводятся занятия и индивидуальные встречи.
  8. Пройдите курсы повышения грамотности для взрослых: библиотека предлагает индивидуальные занятия и занятия в небольших группах, чтобы помочь посетителям достичь свои цели в образовании. Будь то подготовка к экзамену по общеобразовательной подготовке (General Educational Development, GED) или чтение заметок из школы ребенка— сотрудники библиотеки по обучению грамотности взрослых могут помочь.
  9. Посетите станцию юного инженера Makerspace библиотеки Роквуд  и создавайте интересные вещи (для 6–12 классов). Станция юного инженера Makerspace библиотеки Роквуд — это среда для совместного обучения, в которой подростки могут проводить время, работать над своими собственными проектами с использованием художественных принадлежностей и изучать новые технологии.
  10. Получите индивидуальную техническую помощь: во многих библиотеках предлагаются открытые сессии технической помощи. Приходите в библиотеку, чтобы получить персональную помощь от дружелюбного и компетентного специалиста по компьютерным технологиям, готового ответить на ваши вопросы по пользованию мобильными устройствами, веб сайтами, скачиванию электронных книг и т.д. 

English | Español | Tiếng Việt | Русский | 简体中文

Varios libros coloridos en una mesa.

Crédito por la foto: Motoya Nakamura, Condado de Multnomah 

Los días en que no lo dejaban a uno ni reír quedaron atrás. Las bibliotecas ahora son espacios comunitarios prósperos para reunirse con compañeros, obtener ayuda con computadoras y disfrutar de programas de arte. Pero, ¿sabía que hay muchas otras cosas gratuitas que se pueden hacer a través de la biblioteca?

  1. Aprender un nuevo idioma: con Mango Languages, tendrá acceso a más de 40 cursos de idiomas, desde cursos básicos introductorios hasta cursos más avanzados y de aprendizaje conversacional. Aprenda árabe, español, mandarín, italiano, vietnamita, alemán y muchos más.
  2. Ver una película: vea documentales y películas independientes en la colección de Kanopy o reciba transmisiones de música, videos y cómics a través de Hoopla.
  3. Imprimir documentos de forma gratuita: ¡imprima sin costo en todas las bibliotecas! Use el servicio de impresión móvil o venga a usar una computadora de la biblioteca para copiar, faxear y escanear.
  4. Visitar un museo local: disfrute de experiencias educativas y culturales gratuitas a través de My Discovery Pass. Encontrará entradas para museos, atracciones culturales locales y espectáculos.
  5. Ayuda con las tareas en vivo: con su cuenta de la biblioteca, puede obtener acceso a Tutor.com, donde puede practicar para el examen preliminar de aptitud académica (PSAT), abordar un problema de matemáticas o revisar un trabajo para su clase.
  6. Iniciar su viaje hacia la ciudadanía: infórmese sobre el proceso para obtener la ciudadanía en una serie de clases gratuitas. Las clases cubren la historia de los Estados Unidos, el gobierno y otra información que puede ayudarle a prepararse para el examen de ciudadanía. Las clases son en inglés y son impartidas por voluntarios de Mission: Citizen.
  7. Obtener ayuda sobre empleo, elaboración de currículums y preparación para entrevistas: el personal de la biblioteca puede ayudarle a comenzar con su búsqueda de empleo. Desde crear un currículum y una carta de presentación hasta practicar para una entrevista, la biblioteca tiene clases y citas individuales a su disposición.
  8. Tomar clases de alfabetización para adultos: la biblioteca ofrece tutoría individual y en grupos pequeños para ayudar a los usuarios a lograr sus objetivos de aprendizaje. Ya sea para prepararse para el examen de educación general (GED) o para ver las calificaciones de la escuela de su hijo, el equipo de alfabetización para adultos de la biblioteca puede ayudar.
  9. Visitar el Taller Creativo de Rockwood y construir cosas geniales (para grados 6.º a 12.º): el Taller Creativo de Rockwood es un lugar de aprendizaje colaborativo para que los adolescentes pasen el rato, creen proyectos independientes con materiales artísticos y aprendan nuevas tecnologías.
  10. Obtener ayuda individual con la tecnología: muchas ubicaciones ofrecen sesiones de ayuda con la tecnología sin cita previa. Pase a obtener ayuda individual con un amable asistente de tecnología. Le ayudará a encontrar respuestas a preguntas sobre dispositivos móviles, sitios web, cómo empezar a usar libros electrónicos y mucho más. 

English | Español | Tiếng Việt | Русский | 简体中文

Nhiều cuốn sách đầy màu sắc trên bàn.

Nguồn bức ảnh: Motoya Nakamura, Quận Multnomah 

Đã qua rồi cái thời quý vị được nhắc nên giữ im lặng vì cười khúc khích. Thư viện ngày nay là những nơi mở rộng cho cộng đồng, quý vị có thể gặp gỡ bạn bè đồng trang lứa, nhận trợ giúp về máy tính và yêu thích tham gia các chương trình mỹ thuật. Nhưng còn nhiều điều khác quý vị có biết mình có thể trải nghiệm miễn phí tại thư viện không?

  1. Học một ngôn ngữ mới: Với Mango Languages, quý vị có thể tham dự trên 40 khóa học ngôn ngữ, từ khóa giới thiệu cơ bản cho đến nâng cao và luyện học hội thoại. Học tiếng Ả Rập, tiếng Tây Ban Nha, tiếng Quan Thoại, tiếng Ý, tiếng Việt, tiếng Đức và những ngôn ngữ khác.
  2. Xem một bộ phim: Quý vị có thể xem những bộ phim tài liệu và phim độc lập trong bộ sưu tập của Kanopy hoặc nghe nhạc, đọc truyện tranh và xem video trực tuyến qua Hoopla.
  3. In tài liệu miễn phí: Quý vị có thể in miễn phí ở tất cả các địa điểm của thư viện! Sử dụng dịch vụ in từ thiết bị di động hoặc đến thư viện sử dụng máy tính để in, sao, gửi fax và scan tài liệu.
  4. Ghé thăm bảo tàng địa phương: Cảm nghiệm tính giáo dục và văn hóa nghệ thuật miễn phí qua chương trình My Discovery Pass. Quý vị sẽ tìm được Giấy Vào cửa viện bảo tàng, các địa điểm tham quan và chương trình biểu diễn mang đậm nét văn hóa của địa phương.
  5. Trợ giúp trực tiếp bài tập về nhà trên nền trực tuyến: Quý vị sử dụng tài khoản thư viện để có thể truy cập trang Tutor.com được giúp ôn luyện cho kỳ thi đánh giá năng lực học tập sơ bộ (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, PSAT), giải một bài toán hoặc gửi bài viết ở lớp để được đọc và sửa lỗi.
  6. Bắt đầu chuẩn bị thi Quốc tịch: Tìm hiểu quá trình trở thành công dân trong các lớp học miễn phí. Những lớp học này giảng dạy về lịch sử, chính phủ Hoa Kỳ và các thông tin khác để giúp quý vị trang bị kiến thức cho kỳ thi Quốc tịch. Các lớp học này sử dụng tiếng Anh và được giảng dạy bởi các tình nguyện viên từ tổ chức Mission: Citizen.
  7. Nhận trợ giúp tìm việc, soạn resume/ bản tóm tắt hồ sơ cá nhân và chuẩn bị phỏng vấn: Nhân viên thư viện có thể giúp quý vị bắt đầu tìm kiếm công việc. Từ cách soạn resume và thư xin việc cho đến luyện tập một cuộc phỏng vấn, thư viện có các lớp học và buổi hẹn gặp cá nhân giúp cho quý vị.
  8. Tham gia các lớp kỹ năng đọc viết cho người lớn: Thư viện tổ chức các lớp dạy kèm, một kèm một và nhóm nhỏ để giúp mọi người quan tâm đạt được mục tiêu học tập của mình. Cho dù là chuẩn bị kỳ thi lấy Chứng Chỉ Phát triển Giáo dục Phổ cập  (General Education Development, GED) hoặc đọc ghi chép của trẻ ở trường, đội ngũ thư viện phụ trách lĩnh vực kỹ năng đọc viết cho người lớn có thể trợ giúp quý vị.
  9. Ghé thăm Rockwood makerspace và chế tạo những món thú vị (lớp 6-12): Rockwood makerspace là môi trường học tập hợp tác để lứa tuổi thanh thiếu niên gặp gỡ, giao lưu, sáng tạo, tự lên kế hoạch riêng với vật liệu mỹ thuật và học hỏi kỹ thuật mới.
  10. Nhận trợ giúp kỹ thuật theo mô hình một kèm một: Nhiều địa điểm tổ chức những buổi trợ giúp kỹ thuật tại chỗ mà không cần ghi danh trước. Hãy đến thư viện và gặp gỡ một nhân viên thân thiện trợ giúp về kỹ thuật theo kiểu một kèm một. Họ sẽ giúp tìm câu trả lời cho câu hỏi của quý vị về thiết bị di động, trang web, cách bắt đầu sử dụng sách điện tử và nhiều thứ khác. 

Pages

Subscribe to